Hebri: Mudradi Gram Panchayat, situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats in Hebri taluk, has emerged as a model for the entire country.
The panchayat achieved 100 percent of its targets in social security and poverty alleviation, reaching a milestone that goes far beyond basic geographical development.
This outstanding performance earned the village a 1 crore rupee prize under the Central Government's Deen Dayal Upadhyaya State Vikas Puraskar, specifically in the category of poverty-free and enhanced livelihoods.
In the Mudradi area, every single eligible person now receives benefits from both State and Central Government schemes.
The panchayat delivered essential social security measures, including old age, widow, and disability pensions, to 941 beneficiaries. Currently, hundreds of residents are experiencing financial peace of mind through these programs.
Additionally, 28 houses were constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Basava Vasati Yojana to provide a life of dignity to those who were previously homeless.
The administration also introduced a transparent social audit system by painting the lists of beneficiaries on public walls for everyone to see. To address labor shortages, they prioritized agricultural mechanization and ensured that every farmer in the region is registered on the digital FRUITS portal.
Regular public meetings like Rozgar Diwas and Mahila Sabhas allow common citizens to participate directly in deciding the future of the village.
Womens empowerment has taken on a new dimension where 650 women formed 65 active self help groups.
These groups accessed over 2 crore rupees in bank loans to start micro enterprises, providing a massive boost to rural financial independence. The panchayat also excelled in employment generation by creating 28,500 man days of work under the national employment guarantee scheme. This effort led to the creation of permanent assets like cattle sheds and the development of 30 acres of agricultural land.
Health remains a top priority, and Mudradi now boasts a record of zero malnutrition.
Among the 195 children under the age of five in the area, not a single case of stunted growth or anemia has been reported. Mudradi Panchayat Development Officer Subhash noted that this national honor is a result of the collective willpower of local representatives, hardworking staff, and the cooperation of every villager.